LETTERS PAGE 2007
BUSINESS AS USUAL AT THE TOWN HALL
I would just like to answer a few of the enquiries I’ve been getting
recently about the activities at Knottingley Town Hall.
First can I say that at the Town Hall it’s very much business as usual. It
sometimes takes a tragedy to get people into action and following the
death of Edwin Beckett, that is what has happened. New people have come on
board to fill the huge gap and have brought new ideas and ways of doing
things. However the long established regular activities are all going
strong: karate, tea dances, stained glass club, mother and toddler, womens
health group, childens dance, etc. There are also healthy bookings for
anniversaries, birthdays and the like. The building has space for groups
from 4 to over 100 so if you need a good local venue with or without a
licensed bar then contact myself, Glen Burton.
As a committee we are looking at improving the facilities within the Town
Hall and first we want to do some electrical work in the basement.
Yesterday (Sunday), myself and several others spent three hours sorting
out tons of rubbish that has accumulated over the years. Another reason
for looking at this first is that it was one of Edwin’s priorities as well
so he’d be happy with the results. We havent finished yet but a great
start has been made.
We have a stock of unwanted plastic chairs that are surplus to
requirements now and rather than dump them we want to raise whatever money
we can for the Hall, so if anybody is after decent chairs for meeting
rooms etc., then give us a ring.
Along with Ferrybridge Community Centre we want to ensure that the area
continues to have two high quality community venues.
Incidentally, the money raised in lieu of flowers for Edwin Beckett stands
at a magnificent £1300.
Councillor Glenn Burton
22 January 2007
KNOTTINGLEY SPORTS CENTRE AND SWIMMING POOL
In reply to Councillor Stokes letter in the January 2007 issue of the
Knottingley Digest magazine, I would like to make a few points of my own
regarding the proposed closure of Knottingley Sports Centre and Swimming
Pool. I am the person responsible for starting a petition against the proposed
closure, which is now nearing 1,000 signatures. As you know, Councillor
Stokes, I have never said the closure was imminent, I am simply raising
public awareness of the fact that it has been raised as a point for
debate.
The “Sports Strategy” printed by the Wakefield Metropolitan District
Council, clearly states (and I quote):
“There is potential to close Knottingley Sports Centre and Pool, given
that there is a new facility being developed at Knottingley High School”.
The document also says:
“There is no provision for a pool at Knottingley High School”.
Subsequently, if, after discussion by WMDC, a decision is reached to close
the Sports Centre and Pool and relocate to Knottingley High School, there
will be NO swimming pool in Knottingley!!
So the facts are in black and white - the subject of closure is open for
discussion and a decision will be made shortly and put into practise over
the next five years, according to Mr. John E. Foster, Chief Executive of
WMDC.
When you say “There is no need to worry, nothing will happen in the
next 6-10 years”, I think you have miscalculated. The questionnaire
which came out with the “Sports Strategy” booklet clearly states that the
time span for the project is 2006-2012, which if I have done my maths
correctly leaves us with 5 years.
I did not, as you describe, put 2 and 2 together and come up with 5, I
merely acted on the information I had been given by the WMDC. The Sports
Centre and Pool are under threat and I will continue with my petition and
raising public awareness for as long as the threat is there.
I await with baited breath the “Action Plan”, which I understand is
due to be published imminently and I hope it holds plans for
refurbishment, regeneration, and support for our Sports Centre and Pool.
Then our new “Service Director for Sport”, Lisa Dodd, can go ahead
with her plans to (and I quote):
“Improve people’s lives, health and lifestyles through sport and
physical activity.”
Let us see the Council practise what they preach, for all the children,
adults, OAP’s, students, and anyone else who uses our Sports Centre and
Pool.
Rachel M. McConnachie
6 February 2007
KINGS MILLS DELIVERY VEHICLES
How pleased I was to see the photographs of the
delivery vehicles of ‘KMK’ (Kings
Mills Knottingley), as supplied by Ken James. The vehicles would have been
supplied new by the former South Yorkshire Motors.
In the very early 1960s I worked at Kings Mills as a delivery driver
alongside John Bedford and Alan Pearson in addition to about another six
local men and it brought back many happy memories of my former workmates
and times at King’s Mills. I have driven the vehicles depicted on the photographs for many miles
delivering flour and animal feeds to customers. The Company was owned by
three brothers; Dennis, Pat and Noel Donavan. The picture of the driver,
from memory, was Noel Donavan, who I think lived in Pontefract, while
Dennis lived in Darrington and Pat in South Milford. One of the tasks which we had to do was to take Arthur Clayburn to their
homes to look after their gardens!
John F. Vause
6 February 2007
ROYAL VISIT COMMEMORATIVE PLATE
With reference to the plate commemorating the Royal Visit in 1937, at
the Coronation of that year, each schoolchild received a cup and saucer
bearing the same design of the flags and royal portraits. I understand
that these were made at a Castleford pottery but the cup bears the logo
‘IDEAL - semi-porcelain - made in England C&C’
On the Royal Visit, October 21st, each child received a matching plate as
well as a glass plate made by Bagley’s. These were initially made for the
Coronation but the word ‘Coronation’ was removed from the mould and ‘Royal Visit
Souvenir, Knottingley Oct 21' was inserted.
No doubt lots of Knottingley people will still have these souvenirs
somewhere in a cupboard and I have seen some in local charity shops.
Eva Dyson
9 February 2007
KNOTTINGLEY SONG
My Aunt Lily was born in Knottingley in 1902. When old enough she moved
away to become a Cotton Piecer, and then in 1920 she married an Irishman
called Joseph Walsh. They were married in Halifax and then later moved to
Ireland where they lived the rest of their lives. My parents and my older brother and sisters, used to go over for a short
holiday, but then the war came and a block was put on preventing people
going to Ireland until the war was over. In the mid 1940’s, I used to spend quite a number of my school holidays
over there on my Aunt and Uncle’s small farm. They were probably some of
my most treasured memories of my teenage years.
The happy times we shared, tying and sheathing the barley, turning and
stacking the hay; bringing in the turf from the bogs, over the river with
the ass and cart. The cottage didn’t have gas or electric; and running
water was what you caught off the thatched roof, this was the water you
used to get washed in. The water to drink and for cooking, was fetched
from a spring in white enamel buckets. Oh, and buy the way, the spring was
through 2 fields, over a lane, and through another field. I could go on
and on talking about those enjoyable times.
The real main reason for me writing this letter is, because coming from
Knottingley, my Aunt, now and again would break out and sing this little
short song about Knottingley.
Knottingley
K-N-O-doubleT-I
N-G-L-E-Y spells Knottingley,
Everywhere, dark or fair,
Don’t those Knottingley girls look pretty?
In clogs and shawls, overalls,
You may travel far and wide,
Give me dear old Gertie from Knottingley,
And I’ll be satisfied.
D. Fox
17 February 2007
KNOTTINGLEY SILVER BAND CONCERT
Feeling rather like a lapsed churchgoer, on Saturday
10th February, I attended a concert in the Town Hall featuring Knottingley
Silver Band, and I emerged again some two and a half hours later thinking
“I wouldn’t have missed that for the world!” I was so thankful that I hadn’t decided to stay home and sit by the fire
on what was a cold, wet, miserable evening. Instead I was part of an
audience being entertained with wonderful music provided by dedicated,
talented musicians who devote their leisure time to keeping safe one of
Knottingley’s oldest traditions – our town band.
During the evening one of the members received a presentation – richly
deserved – in recognition of his 50 years service with the band, and it
was heart-warming to see members of the same families making music
together. I may be biased but I don’t believe there’s a sound in the world that can
tug at your heartstrings like the sound of a brass band. Its richness and
beauty touches your soul.
In Knottingley we have a band to be proud of, and I would love to see a
revival of the pride and enthusiasm that our parents and grandparents felt
for their band all those years ago when it first began. I remember a time
when Knottingley’s band brought families together. It was the backbone of
our community. Musical tastes change over the years, yet somehow the brass band remains
constant, and is able to “fit in” and adapt to these changes when it needs
to. It can step from one type of music to another easily and effortlessly.
On Saturday evening we were offered a veritable feast of musical
entertainment and examples of the versatility of the brass band. Soloists
displayed their individual talents and the band played music ranging from
Tchaikovsky to Rodgers and Hammerstein. We were served a helping of
foot-tapping, hand clapping, music – even “swing!”
I hope I can be forgiven for not remembering his name, but the entire
evening was enriched by the bands Conductor, who injected a little bit of
wit and humour into his introductions and displayed an obvious talent and
love for his music. He made the occasion just that little bit more
special. I’m sure that the late Edwin Beckett would have approved of this
appearance by Knottingley Silver Band in his beloved Town Hall. This is
what the Town Hall needs. This lovely old building, so beautifully restored and decorated by Mr.
Beckett, holds so many happy memories for lots of Knottingley folks. I
would love to see the band appearing there on a regular basis.
People like Terry Clayton and his family have devoted their lives to our
town band and have remained steadfast over many years in their efforts to
keep it alive. Chairman Garry Pearson is younger in years than Terry, but
he too works selflessly towards the same goal and deserves our highest
praise for his hard work and dedication. Everyone involved with the band
gives freely of their time, and in the process spends many hours away from
their homes and families either performing in public or practising. They
do it because they love what they do and they care about preserving this
important part of Knottingley’s history and ensuring its survival for
future generations. They deserve every bit of support they can get, and
they really do make beautiful music!
Jean Norfolk
17 February 2007
THE GOOD OLD DAYS
During the winter of 1942-43, I was serving with the A.T.S. in Old
Dalby, near Leicester. We worked in a R.O.A.C. depot, and Saturday was our
day off. There were no cooked lunches in the mess, meals consisted of cold raw
vegetables, plus a bread pudding made from the weeks left over bread,
which had been saved in a tea chest. It was very palatable considering it
contained lots of pieces of tin foil with which the chests had been
sealed, plus a few small nails to sharpen the appetite. Tea was served in tall brown enamel jugs, the bottom half still containing
some of the previous days vegetable soup. You daren't complain to the duty
officer otherwise you would be put on a charge.
One Saturday, a few of us walked to Melton Mowbray, famous for its pork
pies. In the cafe we were served with a large portion of pie, a toasted
teacake and a cup of tea. For this lovely meal we were charge ten old
pennies. On paying we each received a chocolate wafer. We thanked the owners and set off to walk the seven miles back to our cold
Nissen hut. Happy Days!
Annie Sproston
19 March 2007
KNOTTINGLEY RUGBY UNION CLUB
After seeing the photograph in the December issue of the Digest
featuring Knottingley Rugby Union Club, I thought I would put together a
few words about when the present club started.
During the early 1960s, myself and a chap called Albert Firth, who lived
in Island Court, used to go over to Castleford Rugby Union Club on a
Saturday and have a game in their 2nd or 3rd team. One night whilst having a beer or two in the old Cherry Tree public house,
someone mentioned the fact that Knottingley used to have a Rugby Union
team before the Second World War. We set about gathering some information
about it and were told that Mr. Granville Burdin, a potato merchant in the
town, had actually played for this team. With the intention of
resurrecting the team I approached him and he readily agreed to be our
club Chairman. It turned out to be a first class decision and for many
years he was a steady and hard working influence on the formation of the
club. After approaching Mr. Frank Jackson of Jackson Glass, he agreed to be our
first President so then the hard work started of raising a team, finding a
ground and somewhere to get changed and entertain the opposition.
The Council kindly gave us the use of Howards Field where the present team
still play. Our first changing rooms were the old billiards and snooker
room above the bar of the Commercial Inn in the Bendles, now called the
Steam Packet, where 30 of us attempted to get showered after the match in
a normal household bath into which we had one shower. It was then down
into the bar for pie and peas (Morris's of course) and many pints of beer.
Our first match was against Leeds YMCA during 1963/64. The reigning
Carnival Queen, Miss Linda Blakeston I think, kicked off the match and at
the side of the field Granville had brought one of his trailers on which
were sat a few of the towns councillors. We won that first match by 15pts
to 5pts or somewhere in that region, and when the full time whistle went
you would have thought we had won at Twickenham!
The team that day was:
Full Back: G. Grey
Wings: Ian Exelby and Bob Lightowler
Centres: Dick Penty and Stuart Jardine
Half Backs: Sammy Reynolds and Albert Firth
Front Row: Roy Ashton, Bill Hobman, Eric Daniels
Second Row I believe was: Harry Johnson and Tony Brearley
Back Row: Dave Jervis, Brian Hunter, Dave Renshaw
Referee: Ken Cookman from Castleford
Shortly after the first match we were joined by Geoff Knight who proved
over the years to be a great team member, going on to become Captain and
President.
Over the years, through hard work by many people, the club has gone from
strength to strength, eventually having a clubhouse at the side of the
field which, through the efforts of a dedicated committee, particularly
Mr. Len Lifsey, provided a lovely little clubhouse that for many years was
a focal point for many aspiring young players and the scene of many social
events.
Within the last couple of years or so a young progressive committee have
overseen the erection of a new clubhouse and changing rooms that must be
among one of the best in the North of England. The team now plays in the
Yorkshire 2nd Division and more than holds its own with the many old
established clubs who play in that league. All the many people who have worked for the club and played over the last
forty years or so must be very proud on where it is today and of the
efforts to put it there and all would wish it continued success.
Brian Hunter
Past Captain and President
7 April 2007
KNOTTINGLEY MUSEUM
During a recent conversation about Knottingley with our Postman, who is
an old mate of mine, I got thinking about Knottingley's history and the
stories that I've heard about Knottingley folk. Wouldn't it be great if we
had a place to display the hundreds, possibly thousands of photographs and
items of interest depicting the history of Knottingley; a place where
local people could go and see the pictures and discuss them with other
people who are interested in our towns history. Perhaps a Knottingley
museum is what is needed?
I've recently heard that the police station is to become vacant, so
wouldn't that be a great place for the museum? I'm sure it would be a very
popular place with young and old. I'm not too clued up on the financing of
a place like this or how it could get off the ground but it's an
interesting idea.
Dave Smith
12 April 2007
KNOTTINGLEY RECOLLECTIONS
I was brought up in Knottingley from the age of six months. I recall,
at the age of four, that I lived in Braims Yard, near Shepherds Bridge.
Mr. Braim had a shop at the top of the yard from where he sold meat.
I started school at the age of four-and-a-half-years at Ropewalk School
and I remember we had to go to sleep for a half-hour during the afternoon.
I also remember waiting for Father Christmas coming down the chimney in
Miss Flemming’s classroom. We later moved to Foundry Lane and I remember
Union Row at the side of Gregg’s Glassworks before it was demolished and a
house on the canal bank. Charlie France's shop was at the side of Nellie
Askin's fish and chip shop, where chips were 1d and bits of fish were 1½d.
There were houses going right down the length of the road. There was Mr.
Coward’s hardware store, where I can remember paying 1d per week for a
basket for my mother – she was very pleased, the Red Lion and then Miss
Allen’s shop, used by workers from Gregg’s. There was an island in the
middle on which were kept some horses and across the road was a small
vegetable shop, Jones’ fish and chip shop, Mrs Jones sweet shop, Tubby
West’s establishment then house. On the waterside were some houses, which
were later pulled down when the Broomhill and England Lane estates were
built. I remember watching them shoe horses at the blacksmiths and running
round the old buildings with my friends Cliff Vipers, Percy Clayton and
Jackie Norton. They were good old days.
My Dad was 'Twisler' Vause but unfortunately I do not know how he came to
get that nickname – perhaps he whistled a lot? He had a pigeon loft in the
alley passage, as it was known then, and I recall fetching the pigeon
basket from Ferrybridge Station during my dinner hour. There was an air
raid shelter in the paddock at the side of the house. We used it twice but
later it filled with water. We used to stand on the canal bank watching
enemy planes going down in the search lights towards Hull. I also remember
my dad giving Buller Wild a meal and some clothes. We also had Bessy
Tomlinson in Foundry Lane, parading back and forth. She was a nice woman
but had the misfortune of losing her shop. These were some of the best
days of my life.
Mrs F. Athorn (nee Vause)
14 April 2007
HOW GREEN WE WERE IN YOUNGER DAYS
On page 23 of the April 2007 issue, you published a photograph of the
Foundry Lane Club. I only recognise two of the men featured which I
suppose is a start. Standing on the extreme right is Les Horton and next
to him is Bill Brown. Terry Spencer’s article on Knottla nicknames brought
back some memories for me (Thanks Dr. Terry Spencer!) I remember ‘Legger’
(Sydney) Sweeting when I was 14 years of age. I worked in Aire Street Post
Office for the Misses R & I Hepworth. Legger delivered the milk around
8.30 each morning and I had to be there to see to him. I must admit that
at first I was a little scared of him.
‘Dody’ Braim I knew too of course, as I also lived up Womersley Road.
Buller Wild also used to frequent this area and go into the quarries where
there were two hills, one of which had a cave at the back of it where I
understand Buller used to go.
Like many youngsters in those days I was also threatened with, and scared
of, Bob Bunks. ‘Proddy’ France, also mentioned in Terry’s article, taught
me music at Ropewalk School. As for Nagger Addy, I thought that was his
correct name. I would often go and help roll up those straps after a
funeral. Likewise, I also thought Codge was Mr. Lightfoot’s real name as
Uncle Alf always referred to him as such. Oh! how green we were in younger days. Thanks once again for stirring up
memories.
Kath Spence
15 April 2007
NICKNAMES I CAN RECALL
I’m pushing 89 years young and I remember Cliff Marsh who would be
about the same age as myself. Benny Chopsticks, mentioned in Terry
Spencer’s Knottla
Nicknames article, used to live aboard one of the old barges that had
been set aside for breaking up, and which were tethered along side the
wall in the Bendles. One day young Cliff looked down into the hold of one
of the barges and saw Benny hard at work chopping sticks. “Oh Benny
Chopsticks”, Cliff began shouting over and over, until Benny had had
enough and clambered out of the hold threatening to part young Cliff’s
hair with his chopper! As far as I can recall that’s how Benny got his
nickname but I could be wrong as it all happened such a long time ago.
Some of the other nicknames I can remember are: ‘Moggie’ Schofield, ‘Shy’
Tommy, ‘Get Dog’ France, ‘Butcher’ Shaw and ‘G.I.’ Taylor, who all worked
at Gregg’s glassworks. Then there was ‘Wablo’ Rhodes, ‘Codge’ Ridge,
‘Swarf’ Ridge, ‘Snuff’ Shaw, ‘Inky’ Robinson, ‘Nunc’ Appleyard, ‘Gosh’
Robinson, ‘Didie’ Simmons, ‘Bunny’ Haigh, ‘Billycock’ Humphries, ‘Pag’
Martin, ‘Pig’ Hutchinson, ‘Scotch’ Bob, ‘Nanky’ Knott, ‘Artie’ Armitage
and ‘Mugs’ Poulson.
One name in particular that I remember was ‘Quick’ Walter, and the story
goes that he was asked one day by a motorist if he wanted a lift home, to
which he answered, “No thanks, I’m in a hurry!”
During his early days at Holes’ School, Stannie Greenwood was nicknamed
‘Cock Toes’, but he didn’t care too much for that and who can blame him!
The name ‘Cisco Kid’ was one name he bestowed upon himself.
Jack Aaron
15 April 2007
'DADDY' WRIGHTSON
Regarding your article about
Knottla Nicknames,
featured in the April 2007 issue, I wonder if anyone can remember Mr.
Wrightson at Ferrybridge School? I should think that from around World War
One, if not before, he had the nickname ‘Daddy Wrightson”. I often
wondered why he was called this until I asked an ex-pupil from before my
time (1950s) if he knew. He said it was because Mr. Wrightson’s father,
who before a strong resemblance to him, was the truant officer, so he was
called ‘Daddy’ after him. I thought I would just write and explain in case
anyone else wondered.
Also on page 14 of the April issue are some photographs of
Ferrybridge School
taken in 1955, the top of which shows my mother, Mrs Barker, the class
teacher. There is a photograph on page 12 also of Ferrybridge School in
the same year, and Paul Hansom is featured in the middle of the back row.
Christine Greenhough (nee Barker)
16 April 2007
A HELPING HAND
I was very pleased to read about the late Mr. Jackson Morris in the
April issue of the Digest. He was the Head Teacher of the Weeland Road
School in Knottingley, where I was taught from the year 1929 to 1937. He
was smartly dressed and walked briskly to school every week day. He
encouraged the children to achieve a good education. His motto was, "If
at first you don't succeed, try and try and try again!"
On Sundays he attended the Ropewalk Wesleyan Chapel and he was also a
member of the Pontefract General Infirmary Committee. When he heard that
my Dad was very ill, suffering from rheumatic fever, he came to visit our
home. He promised to apply for a recommend to have him admitted to the
Royal Bath Spa Hospital in Harrogate. After receiving treatment for
several weeks, thankfully, Dad recovered and was able to return to work. My mother and all the family were very grateful to Mr. Morris for his
help.
Annie Sproston
17 April 2007
CHARACTERS OF OLD KNOTTINGLEY
In response to the article on
Knottla Nicknames,
there were many and varied nicknames of many past generations who are now
sadly just a memory but may I provide you with the information which I can
remember of two of those within your article. Being born during the early
part of the Second World War in Pickhill Garth, I can remember as a child,
many of the old characters of Knottingley. The gentleman known by many in
Knottingley as Collmosh was quite elderly when I was a child and
lived in the cellar of one of the former lodging house's which was
situated in the Back Lane. He was a small man, being only some 5ft 6/7ins
tall, quite plump with a large white moustache, which through smoking was
tinted ginger. He could be seen every day sitting on the public seats on
the Flatts, as was the fashion in those days, indeed I have recognised
Collmosh from a photograph featured on the Knottingley website.
The tramp, spoken about by many, who was always around Knottingley, was
known as Buller Wild who had long hair and beard, and looked like
what you would describe as the Wild Man of Borneo. But he was kind hearted
soul, who lived in the Willow Garth or Bagley's Quarry. Percy Davis, who
had the maggot farm/basket maker in the Willow Garth, used to provide him
with a little bit of work to enable him to keep body and soul together.
My last memory of each of the above would be that in 1947 the Labour
Government of the time created the National Health Service, part of which
was the provision for the destitute and elderly who had insufficient means
to look after themselves. In simple terms this meant that Buller and
Collmosh were placed into Northgate Lodge, Pontefract (the Workhouse)
nicknamed the 'Grubber', now demolished. The institution was situated at
the top of Back Baileygate and it was there that I can last remember
seeing Collmosh who was standing outside of Horner's Shop.
Buller could be seen on Saturdays with his hair cut and clean shaven
sitting on the public seats at the top of Horsefair near to Rose's
wallpaper and paint shop, talking to the many Knottingley people who were
visiting Pontefract for their weekend shopping. I trust that my memory of
these two gentlemen will assist some of your readers.
John Vause
2 May 2007
MANY MEMORIES OF KNOTTINGLEY
I have many memories of Knottingley. I can remember the
Carnival being held in
a field at Marsh End and having your hand stamped so that you could go
back in to the field after tea to watch all sorts of events. I also
remember going across the river on a cobby boat onto the Marsh, and going
on a barge trip to Whitley Bridge; an enjoyable half day. My Dad, George
Vause, kept pigeons in Foundry Lane and won many prizes, racing under the
name of 'Vause Bros'. I enclose a photograph of him standing in front of
his pigeon loft. We used to go to the Lime Keel Inn to 'clock in' when the
first pigeon arrived home. I can remember fetching corn from a shop in
Aire Street and helping to look after the birds.
I attended Weeland Road School until I was eleven years old and later I
went to Ropewalk School. We had evening classes where I learned to dance
before going to the dances held in the Town Hall. I left school at 14
years of age and started work at Bagley's glassworks where I met and made
friends with many Knottingley people.
When we lived in Garden Lane we used to do floats for the carnival and
managed to win a prize or two. I still have photographs of some of them.
Times have altered since then.
I wonder if any readers recall standing on the Flatts for King George and
Queen Mary's Jubilee and getting a gift of a pencil and book (I still have
mine), and the King and Queen visiting Knottingley when we were given a
gift of a spoon?
Mrs F. Athorn (nee Vause)
4 May 2007
re: KNOTTINGLEY MUSEUM
The Digest has been successful in filling a gap in the market of local
history and knowledge not only of the town but also of its people,
Knottingley has a long and sometimes colourful history that has for the
most part been overshadowed by our neighbours at Pontefract. What people forget is that the events of today are tomorrows historical
facts and without the efforts of Ron Gosney, Terry Spencer and other
dedicated historians who research and collate that information, much of
the local history and “folke-lore” would be forgotten. Local history
should be available for all, scholars of all ages, Knottingley families
have over the years migrated to all corners of the world and the
possibility of having within our town, a centre that could be used as a
repository for documents and items relating to the historical past and
present development of the town must be worth looking towards.
The growth in interest of Family History research has generated a need in
the wider community for information, what better than a centre dedicated
to Knottingley, its people, industry, history and future. There must be a wealth of information stored in boxes in lofts throughout
the town, information that without the possibility of having somewhere to
donate, will at some stage end up on the tip and then lost forever.
Photographs, letters, postcards, old invoices, indentures and other items
that may not seem important at first glance could hold the key to
providing answers to many questions, who knows?
Social history and economic development is as important as bricks and
mortar, much of the old town has disappeared over the years, don’t let the
what we have still available be lost. Let us challenge our local politicians, instead of being a poor relation
in the Wakefield District, help to give a sense pride in what the town has
achieved over the years, help to provide the funds and facilities for an
education research centre / museum dedicated to Knottingley.
Stewart Hackney
5 May 2007
BROTHERTON: THE HOLY CITY
I was born in March 1921 and my earliest recollections are of the 1926
General Strike. I still remember the trestle tables with food on provided
by the Salvation Army, which were situated in the yard opposite. We lived
in a two bedroom house which was home to seven of us including my mother,
father, grandfather, myself and my brothers, Joe (Tich), Bill and Norman.
In September 1932 we were granted a new house on the England Lane estate
but misfortune hit us straight away when my father was fatally injured in
a roof fall at the Prince of Wales Colliery in Pontefract, leaving my
mother to bring us up on her own.
My father hailed from Brotherton, which he always nicknamed ‘The Holy
City’. He was a lifelong brass bandsman starting with Brotherton, who at
that time had two bands, a ‘High’ and ‘Low’, representing sections of the
village. He then played for Askern Colliery for a few years and later with
Knottingley Silver Prize Band until his untimely death in 1932. My
brother Bill was a member of the band at the time of my father’s death and
went on to complete 60 years service. I was also persuaded to join and
played trombone alongside him until my retirement after 50 years in the
band.
Percy Hodgson
12 May 2007
PICKHILL GARTH
Contrary to some recent comments about the Digest Magazine, I think it
is excellent value for £2 per month. People pay more than that for weekly
periodicals without batting an eyelid, and I might add, not half as
entertaining as the Digest Magazine. I enjoyed Jean Norfolk's letter about
old Knottingley and thought I might add a note about living in Pickhill
Garth, just off Aire Street. We shared one outside toilet with the house
that was back to back with us. We had a swing fixed onto the toilet door
frame, which was great for us kids but inconvenient for those needing an
urgent visit - we were forever having to get off the swing as I recall.
The toilet was a WC type which we took for granted, so after getting
married and going to live in Whitley Bridge with my husband’s mum, as many
newly married couples similarly did in those days, it came as a great
surprise to discover that earth type closets were still in use; quite a
culture shock for the early 1960's.
Back to Pickhill Garth which had a large enclosed yard for the whole row,
this provided a handy wall for support when I learned to ride a bike. The
bike was my dad's old full sized bike and the only way I could reach the
pedals was by putting one leg under the crossbar which was quite a
balancing act. I persevered and mastered this method which came in handy
when my mother's relatively well-off sister gave her a three-quarter size
ladies bike which I shared with my sister Tessa. Riding this bike was a
doddle of a job compared to dad's old bike.
When I was sixteen years old I got a job in a malting laboratory in
Pontefract and found the bus fares to and from Knottingley took a large
slice of my wage, so I bought a bright red racing bike at half a crown a
week - at last I owned my own bike. Not only did I have transport for work
but I could now also explore the surrounding countryside.
The maltster's I worked for was W.J. Robson whose offices were in a large
old house (now demolished and redeveloped) at the bottom of Finkle Street,
Pontefract. The lab was upstairs and I remember we had ground coffee made
in an earthenware jug - quite an innovation in 1956. The office staff used
the old kitchen in the basement for tea making and even had a weekly
biscuit allowance. A very happy band of workers. Good days!!
A Mr. Ken Depledge was a member of the office staff. I mention this
because the name Depledge was mentioned in the Digest Magazine article on
the liquorice growers and I wonder if there was a connection, as it is an
unusual name.
On a final note, I was saddened to see the demolition of the old Lime Keel
pub in Racca Green - another piece of old Knottingley bites the dust. As
youngsters, me and my sister spent hours waiting outside the Lime Keel for
my mam and dad, mother regularly supplying us with crisps and pop to keep
us quiet. What would the social workers make of that today?
Maud Hall (nee Stones)
17 August 2007
FERRYBRIDGE JUNIOR SCHOOL
I was delighted to find in the June issue of the Knottingley Digest the
school photographs of Ferrybridge Junior School 1955 and can help in identifying most of the
pupils therein:
On the back row from left to right; Malcolm Backhouse, Kevin Teale, Roy
Lowe, unknown, unknown, unknown, Clive Broadhead, Barry Cayton.
Second row from left; Marjorie Yates, Christine Fletcher, Susanne Rudd,
Janet Griffiths, Elaine Vause, unknown, Brenda Tennant, Georgina Milton,
Pamela Drury.
Third row from left; Angela Ross, unknown, Pauline Hardingham, Iris
Bolton, unknown, unknown, Pat Lewis, Ann Thorpe, Janet Hughes.
Floor seated from left; Keith Gowland, George Long, John Cade, Graham
Scott, Fred Hutchinson.
I do hope some other reader of the Digest Magazine can name the pupils I
am unable to, although I remember all the faces so well, I cannot put
names to all of them. In the photograph of pupils studying at individual
desks (page 13 top) in the foreground I believe is Clive Wilcock. Clive
and his wife Hilary (now retired teachers), reside in Rainford, St Helens,
Merseyside, and I had the pleasure to meet Clive a few years ago, who was,
by strange coincidence, attending a celebration at the home of a relative
of mine who also lives in Rainford.
On the same photograph, the boy at the back on the right I believe is
Richard Nethersole. Richard was one of the children who attended
Ferrybridge School whose fathers were from the south of the country and
were on the management staff at the relatively newly formed Whitehouse
Industries, later to be known as Pollard Bearings. Most of these families
lived at Kings Villas on Castleford Lane, Ferrybridge. The girl sitting
next to me on the 1955 photograph, whose name I am unable to recall, could
well be of the same group. I know her face so well it would be so nice to
be able to remember her name!
Angela Ross
17 August 2007
JOHN HARKER SHIPYARD
I am writing to congratulate you on your excellent Knottingley and
Ferrybridge Online website. Although I am not a Knottingley man, I married
a Knottla lass and I worked at John Harker’s for twenty-one years.
It was while I was looking through the photo gallery that I came across a
photograph called ‘Harker’s Spare Parts 1935’ and it brought back many
memories. I recognised most of the men on the photo as they were still
working at Harker’s when I started my apprenticeship in 1945. Syd Berry
was the blacksmith, Fred Jordan the foreman plater, Arthur Kiernan was the
chargehand fitter and later became foreman, Cliff Bissett was a welder and
Bill Hodgson, Tiffy Hodgson and Fawcett Harker were all shipwrights. Bill
later succeeded Johnny Banks as foreman. I recall an incident at a launch
when Fawcett inadvertantly took a leading role but unfortunately I cannot
remember the name of the boat. The launchways had been placed in position
and wedged up by the shipwrights with military precision and the trigger
mechanism fitted. All that was left was to knock out the stools on which
the boat had been built. Each of the shipwrights were assigned a stool.
Fawcett, being the smallest man, was put on the tightest stool under the
stern of the vessel but try as he might he couldn’t hammer it free.
Eventually somebody gave the signal for the trigger to be released and the
launch started with Fawcett still hammering away assisted by more men but
to no avail and as a consequence the front of the boat was launched but
the stern remained ashore.
The staff at the shipyard attended the launches mainly to collect the soft
soap that the launchways were smothered with as a lubricant and in case
anything untoward occurred, so we must have had a good day that day. The
soft soap was used for washing our hands, and mixed with a bit of fine
sand ‘nicked’ from Gregg’s glassworks, it made an excellent scourer!
Phil Thompson
17 August 2007
re: PICKHILL GARTH, KNOTTINGLEY
I would like to congratulate you on an excellent magazine which holds a
wealth of information and brings back loads of memories almost forgotten -
well worth the money.
I read in the August issue, Maud Hall's recollections of Pickhill Garth.
My grandmother, Ethel Wrightson, my dad Arthur (Len) Wrightson and my Aunt
Sylvia, lived in Pickhill Garth around 1943. My grandfather, Leonard, died
in 1945 whilst my dad was serving in the army. My dad tried to get home on
compassionate grounds before my grandfather died, but was too late.
My dad's grandfather, also called Leonard, was a school superintendent
(also called kiddy catcher or nicknamed Dummy Wrightson). Dad recalled
that he always called at their house first to make sure that they had gone
to school. He also went to the local pea and potato fields to seek out the
truants. He once called at a house on The Island to find out why a child
was not at school and got hit over the head with a stool!
My dad married my mum, Hilda Dunn, in 1948 and they went to live in the
Buck Inn Yard, where my sister Jean and I were born. I was delivered in
1948 by Nurse Berry. After I was born, dad asked mum what she would like,
to which she replied, "fish and chips", so he went and bought some for mum
and Nurse Berry. We lived there until I was about four or five years old,
when we moved to a new council house in Springfields.
I remember visiting Granny Wrightson when she lived at Pickhill Garth. The
entrance was between the Palace Cinema and a house on the right. I think
we passed some cottages on the left with front gardens, before reaching my
grandmother's in a row at the bottom of the yard. She also had a front
garden facing towards Aire Street. I remember there being a boiler and
toilets in the back yard. We usually entered her house through the back
door into a small room with a kitchen range. There was also a best room at
the front with a piano, but we never really went in there.
My Gran later moved to a new bungalow in The Croft in the late 50's or
early 60's where she spent the rest of her life. Her maiden name was
Abelson, apparently a Russian name, where her mother originally came from.
This is something I shall have to look into in the future.
Mrs Brenda Speight, (nee Wrightson)
22 August 2007
A SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY
I was amazed to read that the Digest Magazine has had some adverse
comments. I think you and Pamela are doing a most excellent and worthwhile
job - carry on with the good work!
Although I was not born in Knottingley, I married a Knottingley lass
(Kathleen Cartwright) at Canterbury, Kent, in 1942 when we were both in
the army. After serving in the Normandy Landing, through to Germany, I
came back to the UK in 1946 and lived and worked in Knottingley. I was
Group Works Manager for Jackson's Glass until moving to employment in
Harlow, Essex, in 1968.
I was also a Knottingley Urban District Council member, Server of St.
Botolph's Church, manager of the Church of England School, governor of
Knottingley High School and member of Pontefract and District Divisional
Education Executive, having to resign from them all on leaving the town.
I have a son and daughter-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren
living in the Snaith area and many in-laws living in Knottingley and
Doncaster. Kathleen and I look forward to receiving the Digest Magazine
every month, keeping us in touch with the town where we spent very many
happy times. I hope we will be receiving your magazine for many more
years.
Well done Michael and Pamela, you are doing a service to the town's
community.
Les Minter
16 September 2007
GOODBYE AND GOOD LUCK
Dear Michael and Pamela. Just a few lines to say how sorry we are to
hear that the Digest Magazine has finished. With the hard work that you
both put into it, it is very sad for this to happen. It was something my
son and myself looked forward to every month but living in Manchester we
missed the first eight or nine issues.
I liked it for the memories it brought back of my 17 and a half years
living in Knottingley and the occasions of going to see my mother and five
brothers and one sister. Sadly, mam and the brothers are no longer with us
but the memories will always remain.
I think people in years to come will regret not supporting you more for a
magazine so well done so we can only wish you all the very best for the
future. You did bring a lot of joy to more people than you know.
Flo and Alan Pawson
7 November 2007